I don't believe New Jerusalem takes a position in favor of either character. It's more of an intense study of these two men and their barren work in a shabby store by the side of a highway.
70
The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeFore
The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeFore
A rare film dealing with Christian evangelism in a realistic way that neither mocks nor proselytizes, New Jerusalem quietly observes as a man tries to comfort his troubled best friend by bringing him to Jesus.
60
Village Voice
Village Voice
While New Jerusalem's rigid formalism will surely be off-putting to some, there's beauty to be found in the film's sheen of placid grime.
50
Slant Magazine
Slant Magazine
Unlike the soul-searching characters from Old Joy, which also stars Will Oldham, Ike and Sean always feel as if they've fallen out of the sky just for the film's setup.